CNC Machining Blog

The YuanYi blog shares practical knowledge from our day-to-day experience in CNC machining and precision manufacturing. We write to help engineers, designers, and buyers better understand materials, machining methods, tolerances, surface finishes, and part design, making it easier to plan projects and make better manufacturing decisions.

Concentricity in GD&T: Meaning, Measurement & Alternatives

Concentricity in GD&T describes how the centers of circular features relate to a common reference axis....

Machine Screw Size Chart: US & Metric Diameters, Thread Sizes and Measurement Guide

Machine screws are threaded fasteners commonly used to assemble metal components, machinery, electronics, and precision equipment....

Hardness of Materials: Types, Testing Methods, Charts, and Applications

Material hardness is the ability of a material to resist localized permanent deformation, such as indentation,...

Thread Milling: Process, Types, Advantages, and Tapping Comparison

Thread milling is a CNC machining process used to produce internal and external threads with a...

Powder Coating vs Painting: Which Is Better for Metal Parts?

Powder coating generally offers better durability, scratch resistance, and cost efficiency for high-volume metal parts. Painting...

12 Common Types of Welding Defects: Causes and Prevention

Welding defects are imperfections that can affect the strength, appearance, dimensional accuracy, or reliability of a...

Stiffness of Material: Definition, Young’s Modulus, and Stiffness vs. Strength

Material stiffness describes how strongly a material resists elastic deformation when a force is applied. A...

Heat Treatment of Metals: Processes, Types & CNC Machining Guide

Heat treatment of metals is a controlled process of heating, holding, and cooling metal to change...

Thin Gauge vs Thick Gauge Sheet Metal: Differences, Costs & How to Choose

Choosing between thin gauge and thick gauge sheet metal affects more than part strength. Thickness also...

Casting Defects: 18 Common Types, Causes and How to Prevent Them

Casting defects are unwanted irregularities that affect the appearance, dimensions, strength, or performance of a cast...

Types of Fasteners: 12 Common Types and How to Choose Them

Fasteners are mechanical components used to join, secure, locate, or retain two or more parts. Common...

12 Types of Milling Operations: Processes, Uses, and How to Choose

Milling operations are different ways a rotating cutting tool removes material to create specific features on...

What Are Non-Ferrous Metals? Types, Properties & Applications

Non-ferrous metals are metals and alloys in which iron is not the primary base metal. Common...

What Is a Composite Material? Types, Properties, Examples & Uses

A composite material is made by combining two or more different materials to create properties that...

Aluminum Anodizing Guide: Types, Colors, Thickness & CNC Design Tips

Aluminum anodizing is an electrochemical surface treatment that converts the outer surface of aluminum into a...

Cast Iron vs Steel: Differences, Properties & CNC Machining Guide

Cast iron and steel are both iron-based materials, but they behave very differently in manufacturing and...

Galvanized Steel vs Aluminum: Which Is Better for CNC Machining?

Galvanized steel generally offers higher stiffness, higher absolute strength, and lower raw material cost. Aluminum is...

Types of Gears: Differences, Applications and How to Choose

Gears transfer motion and power between rotating parts, but different gear types behave very differently. Spur...

Acetal vs Delrin: Key Differences, Properties and Machining

Acetal and Delrin are closely related, but they are not exactly the same material. Acetal is...

Sheet Metal Gauge Chart: Steel, Stainless, Aluminum & More

Use the sheet metal gauge charts below to convert common gauge numbers into thickness in inches...

What Is Aluminum’s Symbol? Chemical Symbol Al Explained

The chemical symbol for aluminum is Al, and its atomic number is 13. The symbol uses...

What Is the Softest Metal? Properties, Hardness & Comparison

Cesium is generally considered the softest solid metal, with a Mohs hardness of about 0.2. It...

Density of Iron: kg/m³, g/cm³, lb/in³ & Weight Calculation

The density of pure iron is approximately 7.87 g/cm³, equal to 7,870 kg/m³ or about 0.284...

What Are Metalloids? Elements, Properties, and Uses Explained

Metalloids are elements that have properties between metals and nonmetals. They may look metallic, but they...

How to Use a CNC Machine: Basic Operation Steps

Using a CNC machine means preparing the machine, setting up the workpiece and tools, running the...

3+2 Axis vs Simultaneous 5 Axis Machining: Which Should You Choose?

When searching for 5-axis machining services, many people come across two machining methods: 3+2-axis machining and...

How 5 axis machining software improves complex part production

Many people assume that high-quality 5-axis machining mainly depends on the CNC machine itself. In reality,...

What Can a 5-Axis CNC Machine Do? Common Questions Answered

A 5-axis CNC machine can machine a part from more directions compared to a standard 3-axis...

What Are the 5 Axis on a CNC Machine? X, Y, Z, A and B Axis Explained

Walk into any manufacturing workshop equipped with a 5-axis machining center, and you’ll hear engineers discussing...

What Is a CNC System? A Complete Guide to Components & Functions

If we compare a CNC machine to the human body, then the CNC system is equivalent...

What Are CNC Machining Tools? Types, Uses & Tool List Explained

Machining tools refer to the tools and equipment used in the machining process to cut material,...

What Are the 5 Axes on a CNC Machine? Understanding X, Y, Z, A & B Axes

Simply put, a 5-axis CNC machine tool consists of three linear axes (X, Y, Z) and...

How to Use Metal Clippers Tool: A Step-by-Step Guide to Perfect Cuts

Discover the ultimate guide to metal cutting tools. Learn how to choose and use the best...

How to Master Cutting Tools Electrical: A Step-by-Step Guide to Selection and Operation

Master cutting tools electrical with our complete guide. Explore best practices, technical specs & industry applications....

How to Master Plasma Cutting Capabilities: A Step-by-Step Guide to Advanced Techniques

Unlock the full potential of plasma cutting capabilities with our complete guide. Learn best practices, key...

How Do Plasma Cutters Work: Your Ultimate Guide to Principles & Applications

Discover how plasma cutters work in our complete guide. Learn key principles, best practices, and advanced...

What Are Datums in CNC Machining? Definition, Types, and Applications

A datum in CNC machining serves as a theoretical reference point, line, or plane that helps...

CNC Machining Tolerances: Standards and Accuracy

Modern CNC machining tolerances are influenced by several factors such as the machine’s performance, the characteristics...

What Is a CNC Wire Cut Machine? Wire EDM Process Explained

Wire EDM is like slowly cutting through a metal material with a “live wire.” Its cutting...

What Is a CNC Machine Shop?

A CNC machine shop is a manufacturing facility that uses CNC machine tools to produce custom...

How to Design Parts for 5 Axis CNC Machining: Practical DFM Tips

Five-Axis Machining does indeed allow access to parts from multiple angles and reduces the number of...

What Is 5-Axis CNC Programming? Toolpaths, CAM & Simulation

5-axis CNC programming is the process of creating toolpaths for a 5-axis CNC machine. The programmer...

What Is Rapid Prototyping? Methods & CNC Applications

Rapid prototyping plays an important role in the development of products.It allows for the fast production...

What Is Broaching Machining? How It Works, Types & Common Applications

In modern mechanical manufacturing, CNC milling and CNC turning are widely known, while broaching machining is...

What Is a CNC Router Machine? Everything You Need to Know

A CNC router is a machining device that uses computer programs to automatically control the movement...

What Is Electron Beam Machining? Process, Advantages & Applications

Electron Beam Machining is a high-precision, non-traditional machining process that utilizes the high energy generated by...

What Is Runout in Machining? Causes, Effects & How to Reduce It

In CNC machining, even if the machine tool has very high precision, runout in the cutting...

How to Program a CNC Machine: A Beginner’s Guide

CNC programming typically involves creating a CAD model, generating toolpaths in CAM software, outputting G-code, and...

Grizzly G8689 Ultimate Guide: Master Your Drill Mill for Precision Workshop Projects

Explore the complete guide to Grizzly G8689 drill mill. Learn about key features, industry applications and...

5 Axis CNC Explained: Your Complete Guide to Multi-Side Precision Machining

Master 5 axis cnc machining with our complete guide. Explore best practices, technical specs, and solutions...

5 Axis Mills Explained: Your Desktop Guide to Professional Multi-Sided Machining

Master 5 axis mills with our complete guide to desktop CNC milling. Unlock best practices, key...

What is CNC? The Friend’s Guide to the Brains Behind Modern Manufacturing

Explore the ultimate guide to CNC systems. Learn what CNC (Computer Numerical Control) is, its core...

CNC Machine Buying Guide: What You Need to Know Before Making a Purchase

Explore the ultimate guide to purchasing CNC machines. Learn about key specifications, industry applications, and best...

The Ultimate Guide to CNC Kopen: Key Features and Considerations

Thinking about buying a CNC machine? You’ve come to the right place! This guide will help...

Complete Guide to CNC Router Machines: A Beginner’s Handbook

Unlock the full potential of CNC router technology. Our complete guide covers best practices, key features,...

How to Choose the Right Commercial CNC Machine for Your Business

Looking to enhance your manufacturing process with a reliable CNC router supplier? Our complete guide walks...

How to Choose the Best X Carve CNC for Your Workshop

Master your projects with our Complete Guide to X Carve CNC. Discover best practices, key features,...

The Complete Guide to X Carve CNC Machine for Beginners

Learn everything you need to know about X Carve CNC routers. Explore their performance, features, and...

How to Start Your Own CNC Machine Business: A Complete Guide

Discover the essentials of running a CNC machine side hustle. Learn best practices, technical specifications, and...

Why Choose Lathes Made in the USA? Benefits for Your Workshop

Learn everything you need to know about American-made metal lathes. Discover key features, best practices, and...

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